Thread: Newb south of the border

Hi gang

I've been reading these forums as well as other resources across the Internet for about a month, and I decided to go for it last night.

I'm leaving in Mexico and is incredibly difficult to find a decent str8 down here, and shipping one from the States is somewhat pricey so I decided to start with a shavette, easy to find and cheap.

I got a Fromm shavette with Fromm blades, a L'Occitane soap, a cheap synthetic brush (the only one I could find in my city. It doesn't feel like an angel touching your face but does the work...I think? I don't have anything to compare to), Clinique shaving cream, Nivea after shave balm and some Glycerin.

Well, the whole experience was very exciting. Wrapping my face with hot humid towels, preparing the lather as seen on some videos here with the soap, the creme and the glycerin, and the moment of truth....

I didn't try to get a close shave, in fact it was not a close shave at all!! I ended up with whiskers all across my face (my beard grows in each and every inch of my face and neck) and I got my dose of nicks here and there. But I'm looking forward to practice, practice, practice and probably to move to a real straight some time in the future. I'm a little bit hesitant because of the difficulty that represents to send it to hone every now and then because the culture of gourmet shaving is non-existant in Mexico so everything must be done overseas (the shopping, the learning, the maintenance, etc).

I have a question. I've been shaving with a disposable all my life (I'm 30 and I've been shaving since I was 13) every 4 or 5 days because I have "sensitive skin" (after reading the nasty things Gillete can do with your skin I'm seriously doubting that, but will see!). Should I start shaving with this shavette on a daily basis to get the skin used to it? Does the actual skin change when starting to shave in a different way and with a different frequency?

Thanks a lot guys, you have been extremely helpful, I've been reading your posts for weeks.

You should let your experience dictate your shave routine. If you can shave every day without irritation then do it. If you start to have problems just back off for a few days and then skip days until you can tolerate it.

I don't know that a straight does anything major to your face other than treat it more gently and maybe do a little more exfoliation.

At the time I felt that my skin had to get used to straight shaving, but it may be that I had to get used to using a straight blade on my face.
You will have to find out for yourself. Disposable blades are different. I cut myself terribly with a new double edged blade, get a good shave with it the next day and a crap shave the third day. I do even have straights that are uncomfortably sharp.

To cut a long story short: you'll have to try and find out what works for you. If you buy vintage stuff on the B/S/T forum you can be sure you can sell it at a reasonable price if you decide straight shaving is not for you.

Hello and welcome! Good luck on the straight razor search. And I heard they use a really sharp machete for shaving in Mexico. Is that true?
Dannyr

Originally Posted by dannyr

Hello and welcome! Good luck on the straight razor search. And I heard they use a really sharp machete for shaving in Mexico. Is that true?
Dannyr

Yes, and we use Bay Tequila aftershave! and if it hurts too much you can drink it

Welcome Idris. I used a shavette sometimes before I bought a straight. Like Kees I found it very different to a straight. It was very unforgiving and sometimes I cut myself lots even though I could not feel I was doing anything different. Perhaps I had bad technique. Anyway with the straight I find my shaving more consistent with less nicks (although I've only used it twice so far ).

Good luck with whatever you choose and keep us updated with your progress

Bienvenidos, Idris!

The Shavette can be, as Zadir said, a little unforgiving. I started with one too, and I think it's actually a good way to start. It gives you a good respect for the blade, it's crazy sharp, and punishes bad technique more than a real straight would. ...I mean that as a good thing

The classifieds here are a good place to find your first one when you are ready. You won't get cheated on the shipping from the good folks here.

I think the most common mistake I've seen with new shavers (guilty myself), and it's especially a problem on the shavette, is using too much pressure. Let the blade do the work, use short strokes. I'd say start off with shaving every 2 days and move up more if your face can handle it. With a little practice, your shaves will get closer and they'll last a little longer.

Buen Suerte!

Welcome! I find it surprising that shipping to Mexico is so expensive from the states. When I ship a razor to Canada it costs 50 cents more than if I were to ship it within the US. That said, I can see how brushes and other items can get pretty pricey to ship.

Welcome to SRP, Idris!

Maybe you will be able to turn to other sources to buy a reasonably-priced straight razor. In my quest for a Spanish-made Filarmonica, I have found them listed on various of the eBay affiilates in Latin America. I found an absolute beauty one time in Brazil, but the seller refused to ship to the U.S. Perhaps you will have more luck in Mexico!

Originally Posted by Idris

Yes, and we use Bay Tequila aftershave! and if it hurts too much you can drink it

Bay Tequila, now that's a good line.

You are going to fit right in, welcome to the wonderful world of straight razors.